Maja Göpel

Sustainability scientist, Maja Göpel is a qualified political economist transforming the future of society through development solutions and collective policy. Currently based at The New Institute think tank, Maja is backed by more than 25 years of working in researched-based sustainability roles and is hailed as a thought-leader in the field thanks to her innovative approach in creating desirable futures for all. An accomplished speaker, Maja has supported governments, organisations and businesses in becoming part of the change, by promoting positive actions for groups and individuals in the journey to sustainability.

Since 2017, Maja has played an integral role in the success of the independent German Advisory Council on Global Change as the Secretary-General. Responsible for analysing the current international environmental issues and developing reports into potential solutions, Maja is credited with identifying research gaps and prior warnings. Prior to her role on the council, Maja spent six years as the Director of Future Justice at the World Future Council where she introduced the Future Policy Award and worked as a campaign manager to develop the ‘Future Justice’ programme with the EU and UN. Both roles have seen Maja make incredible contributions to futureproofing society’s success with environmental consciousness at the forefront.

Having had a passion for society’s interests from an early age, Maja pursued further education in political economy, after realising politics was often the hurdle faced when building a positive future for all. Since gaining a doctorate in Global Political Economy, Maja has gone on to share her insights with the next generation as a lecturer at the University of Hamburg, and Leuphana University. She is the author of The Great Mindshift, a guide to the past and the path ahead that explores system transformation research. Maja is also the Co-Founder of Scientists for Future, committed to investing in the next generation.

A stand-out expert in her field, Maja has been awarded the Adam Smith Prize for market-based environmental policy and the prestigious Environmental & Sustainability Prize of the Federal German Working Group. Since 2021, Maja has acted as the Research Director for The New Institute, a think tank that provides a platform for change, and most recently, she was honoured with the Erich Fromm Prize for her work. As an award-winning sustainability scientist, Maja is well equipped to advise corporate audiences on the topic of environmental, social and corporate governance, offering futureproofed strategies.